Chapter 1

Gillian woke abruptly as the guard shouted "WILLUNDA STATION".

Did he have to yell so loudly wondered Gillian as she held her aching head for a few seconds before picking up her small red bag. As she headed for the train door she couldn't help but ask herself whether she was doing the right thing by coming back to her home town to stay indefinitely. Gillian worked for a small Photographic Company in the City and when she had told them she was leaving they were all shocked with the sudden news but said that if she came back there would be an instant job for her.

As the train slowly pulled into the station Gillian glanced around to see if she recognized anyone. It was only a small country town and everyone knew everyone. As far as Gillian was concerned the only person that knew she would be arriving home was her Grandmother who hadn't been too well over the last few months. That was the only reason for Gillian to be returning so as to keep her eye on her Gran whom she loved dearly. Gillian stepped onto the small platform and she instantly smiled to herself. How quaint and picturesque the station was compared to the big city ones she had become accustomed to over the last two years.

Unexpectedly a very well-dressed young man came walking towards her. Gillian froze for an instant; she could hardly believe her eyes. It was John, they had been going out for about three years before Gillian had suddenly packed her bags and headed for the big city.

"Gilly, it's so good to see you, let me look at you. You're just as beautiful as the last time I saw you, even lovelier, it that's possible. I am here to pick you up. Orders from Gran,” he said with an impish smile.

"John! I'm pleased to see you too I must say, I really did not expect anyone to be here, let alone pick me up. Grandmother sure works fast. Thanks anyway but you really need not have worried". Gillian said as she smiled awkwardly up at him.

"It really isn't any bother at all Gill, you ought to know that" replied John as he reached out to take her bag from her.

They walked slowly together, through the ticket barrier and out into the unusually crowded street. Gillian looked around in amazement and wondered what on earth was happening. Had they sent the whole town out to greet her she wondered?

John began to explain about the half-price sale day that took place once every six months. Apparently they started the sales about a year ago and it was so popular they had continued to have them ever since. People came from other towns and it bought in quite a lot of tourists, which meant more money for the town as well.

"Bet you will be glad to be able to freshen up and have a rest after such a long trip Gilly? Can I pick you up later after you have rested and go for a spin in the car? We can book into your favourite Restaurant as well. Antonio is still the manager there and is doing really well" said John.

"Sounds great, I'm surprised that I am not completely exhausted after travelling for 6 hours straight. I did have a few little cat-naps but then ended up with a headache and a twisted neck" grimaced Gillian.

Finally they reached the car and John opened the car door for Gillian. He placed her bag on the back seat and waited until Gillian had made herself comfortable before closing the door for her. Immediately Gillian lay her head back onto the headrest and closed her eyes. "This is more like it, I really feel as though I could go to sleep right now".

"Be my guest", John invited and gave her a sideways glance.

"You'll have to tell me what you've been up to these past two years. Your Grandmother would always fill me in on some of the news but said that it was really up to you and me to try to sort out our problems if there is any. She believed that you would when you felt that the time was right. Is the time right now Gil? I have always loved you and always will, no matter what happens. Every time I dated some other girl, I found myself constantly comparing her with you, so consequently the friendship didn't last all that long. Anyway, I didn't mean to bore you with what I think" said John.

Same old John, mused Gillian. He could talk the legs off an old iron pot. He worried about her far too much she thought to herself. What, between John and her Gran how could a girl go wrong! On second thought, maybe that's where it all went wrong! It's no wonder she had to get away for awhile to sought out her own feelings about things. Having two overpowering guardians hovering around her all the time was a bit overbearing to say the least.

John broke the silence. "Not fat to go now Gilly" he blurted out. It's nearly twelve-thirty would you believe! I hope you have a big appetite as Gran said she would have lunch waiting for you when you arrive. Looks like it's going to be morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea combined. When Gran sees you she'll want to start feeding you up immediately. You've lost a little bit too much weight for my liking, have you been keeping well? Quizzed John.

"Yes I have been keeping well, so you and Gran can stop worrying about me. I needed to lose a little bit of weight and I am feeling a whole lot better for having done so" sighed Gillian. Wish they would stop worrying about me so much, who cares anyway it's my body she thought to herself.

They at last reached their destination. John stopped the car and before she could move he was out of the car and opening the door for her. He gently took her hand in his and helped her out of the car. He held her closely for a few seconds and brushed her hair with his lips. Gillian felt a slight wave of excitement come over her and for a fleeting moment melted into John’s warm, manly body. They both said nothing and suddenly without warning she felt John's warm tender kiss on her lips and he kissed her passionately. John slowly and deliberately let her go and they just stared at each other in amazement at what they had just experienced. Gillian had never felt like that before, she felt quite strange and light-headed. She thought that she must be just tired and hungry.

"Well, I didn't know that was going to happen Gill, it was all on impulse. I am not going to apologise either", laughed John. "Now where is that bag and I'll carry it in for you. You didn't bring much luggage with you continued John.

"It's okay John I can manage myself, I'm not helpless, yet!" stated Gillian. She immediately regretted sound so ungrateful. Why on earth was she feeling so uptight?

Not the least bit concerned with her sudden outburst, John retrieved the bag from the back seat of the car, closed the door and grabbed Gillian’s right hand with his free one and guided her through the gate and up the path to the already open welcome door. In the middle of the door way stood her Grandmother with a broad welcome smile and outstretched arms.

Wrenching free from John's grip she ran up the path, up the steps and flung herself at her Grandmother almost knocking her over in the process. "Gran, it's so good to see you". Sobbed Gillian. The tears flowed freely down her cheeks, and she could feel the wetness trickling down her neck onto her dress. "Oh dear, sorry Gran, I didn't know I could miss anyone so much. I haven’t a hanky to wipe my eyes, what a mess I feel.' She sniffled.

John handed Gillian his handkerchief assuring her at the same time that it had not been used. "Wouldn't mind a bit if you cried on my shoulder like that sometime Gill." He added with a cheeky grin. "We had better go inside before all the neighbours come running out to see what all the commotion is about. Not that they don't know you're home already. You know how news travels in small country towns." laughed John.

Gran hurried into the kitchen to set the table meaning to leave Gillian and John alone in the hallway for awhile. John looked at Gillian softly and was about to take her in his arms again and was immediately interrupted by Gran's voice booming from the kitchen. "Will you stay for lunch John? I know it is a little late for lunch but you are quite welcome to join us." Asked Gran.

Sorry, I would really love to, but I have to get back to the office, you know what old Mac is like." Answered John. Just make sure this girl gets plenty of rest this afternoon because we are going out on the town tonight." John informed Gran with a mischievous glint in his eyes as he raced into the kitchen and gave Gran a big hug and said goodbye to her.

Gillian and John walked down the hallway in silence. "Thanks for picking me up John." she said as they reached the door. John bent down and kissed her on the top of her head and bushed his fingers lightly against her right cheek. Gillian could smell that familiar alluring after-shave he used to wear. Nothing really ever changes she thought to herself.

"Pick you up at six thirty tonight then, have a nice rest in the meantime." Said John gently.

Gillian watched John as he walked towards the car and couldn't help thinking how caring he was and handsome too. She used to think that he was always fussing around her but maybe it was just concern for her and the feeling that he had to look after her for whatever reason. Gillian still felt a little confused at this point and just tried to push it somewhere away in the background of her mind for at least the present anyway as she had too many other things to sort out first. Gillian did even not know whether she was even going to stay with her Grandmother that long, probably only until she was well enough to care for herself. There was the flat to think about and her old job waiting for her if she returned. Suddenly Gillian realized that John was waving at her and she waved back and closed the door behind her. As she leaned against the door she suddenly felt quite tired. It had been an exhausting morning to say the least.

"Nice boy, John will make some lucky girl a great husband and father one of these days,” Gran said in rather a loud voice and immediately started chuckling to herself. This was too much for Gillian and she ran into the kitchen and glared at her Grandmother.

"Stop trying to match-make please, you know very well I only look to John as a good friend now and stop looking at me that way Gran. Look we grew up together and almost spent every breathing moment together and in the end I felt claustrophobic and I just had to get away. It did me good to do that because I know that I can look after myself and I can think for myself and I feel good about that Gran. I love you and really care about you and John but I had to get away for awhile. I guess some people are quite content to do the same thing month by month and year by year but I am not. Change is good for people and it is good to look forward to doing different things so that we don't become boring. Am I making sense Gran? This is what I feel anyway," Gillian went on. Her Grandmother said nothing, just smiled gently at her and continued to prepare their lunch.

They both finally sat down to eat and Gillian felt a little ashamed of outburst in the kitchen earlier and she wondered if she should apologize to her poor Grandmother. "Sorry Gran, I just had to say something, I hope I wasn't too harsh on you. Things are happening all too fast already and I am a little bit confused with my feelings toward John and I know that you would love us two to end up together. Time will tell and I intend to take my time about it to make sure." Gillian said.

"Oh dear Gill!" Said Gran softly. "It wasn't until you went away that I realized how I was smothering you, or mothering you as young ones think these days. Mind, it is only because I love you more than anything in this world. You see, I treated you like the daughter I never had, but had always wished for. We as parents are also learning as our children are growing up, we only get one chance in a lifetime to do this. See, when your father and mother died in that terrible car accident I guess I never wanted you to leave; I thought I might never see you again if you left. So I did spoil you a little if you can call it that. Your right, you are not a child anymore and you have the right to make your own decisions. I'll always be here if you need some kind, friendly advice. You are so much like your father, he was always very independent.

Gillian lowered her head and felt ashamed of herself and fought back the tears. How selfish and thoughtless she had become only thinking of herself. She should have been grateful to have such loving, caring people around her.

"Maybe going away did do me some good Gran, because from this very moment I'm going to start thinking of others instead of myself. Poor John, I have been so rude and short with him, I really don't know how or why he puts up with me. Honestly," sighed Gillian.

"I do," was Gran's short statement as she glanced quickly at Gillian and began to serve up the salad.

"What a pair! Let's have lunch before I start crying again, I don't know what is happening to me," Gillian exclaimed.

"It's just as well we're having a cold chicken salad and not something hot, because it would all be cold and tasteless. Eat up now it looks as though you could do with a little bit more weight on you before you end up just skin and bone darling." said Gran in a concerned voice. Gillian chose to ignore her comment and immediately started telling her Grandmother what she had been up to the last two years of her life.

Chapter 2                                                    Top


With the meal finished Gillian sat there sipping her tea looking fondly at her Grandmother. Both of them were quite content to just sit there and relax for awhile without feeling the need to say anything at all for a few minutes.

Suddenly Gillian found she was nearly dozing off and almost ended up with a cup of scalding tea in her lap. "Gran, if you'll excuse me I'll go and freshen up a little and have a rest and you will probably need one too. In a way I would rather just stay here with you and relax tonight than to go out with John. I'll just help you with the dishes first," said Gillian.

"No need to Gill, there only a couple of plates and it will give me something to do. I might have a rest a little later on as I am going to do bake a couple of cakes and some biscuits. Help yourself to a fresh towel and washer and anything else that you may need for your shower,” said her Grandmother as she started to clear the table.

"Thanks heaps Gran, I feel so exhausted all of a sudden and a shower sounds great. All that travelling and excitement of finally being here has all caught up with me. I didn't bring a lot of clothes with me so I've asked Cathy my friend from work to send them and a few other belongings to me if I decide to stay on. Boy, did she get upset when I told her I was coming home for awhile. Cath will be a fully fledged hairdresser next year. Come to think of it, it was quite handy at times as she was always doing my hair for me trying out different styles and colours sometimes. If you don't mind Gran I could ask her to come for a holiday at Christmas time, she would love it here." said Gillian excitedly.

"You are very welcome to invite Cathy here for a holiday. She sounds like a lovely friend to have and those sort are worth keeping forever my dear believe me." Gran said firmly.

Impulsively Gillian gave her Grandmother a tight hug and kissed her on the forehead.

"Come on now, off you go and have your rest as time is marching on. It sounds like you are going to have a wonderful evening tonight with John. He always used to take you to the loveliest places from memory. John has turned out to be a most thoughtful and caring young man Gillian." said her Grandmother with that ever familiar twinkle in her eyes. Gillian said nothing and headed for the shower.

The hot steaming shower felt so good and therapeutic that it was a bit hard to turn it off. Can't have Gran running out of hot water, Gillian thought to herself. Quickly she dried herself and slipped into a light nightdress that she had bought with her. Easing her way in between the sheets of the carefully made bed she at last rested her aching head. It felt so warm and soft that it wasn't long before Gillian fell into a deep restful sleep.

The next waking moment Gillian was aware of was when her Grandmother was gently shaking her shoulder telling her it was time to get up. John in the meantime had phoned and would be picking her up soon. The time was now six thirty and it was almost time to leave.

Gillian slowly sat up, yawned and stretched. Feeling quite rejuvenated she hurriedly stepped out of the bed and immediately started choosing something to wear for the evening. Not that Gillian had many clothes to choose from. There were only a couple of dresses, two pairs of slacks, three tops, one pair of shoes and a pair of sandals. Plus a variety of small sundry items that she had tossed into her bag at the last moment. Gillian really did not feel like going out tonight and thought about ringing John and telling him to make it some other time instead. They were not even going out anymore and Gillian wondered if she wanted it to go any further anyway. Romance was the furthest thing from her mind at this stage. It was all too much too soon she thought.

Yes, the pretty pastel pink dress would do. Gillian always felt good in it and pink seemed to be her favourite colour. Quickly she sat on the stool in front of the mirror and began to brush her golden blonde hair. Would she make it into a neat little bun at the back or just leave it loose and flowing. The latter was her choice as John always liked it like that. Gillian had barely started applying her make-up when her Grandmother poked her head around the door informing Gillian that her chauffeur had arrived and was waiting patiently in the lounge room.

Gillian quickly finished her make-up grabbed her little white handbag and white cardigan from the bed. Probably won't even need the cardigan but you can never tell if the night might end up a little cooler better to be prepared in any case. The weather was beautiful at the moment but tended to get a little cooler as the night went on. If only the weather was like this all the time thought Gillian as she gave a little twirl in the middle of the bedroom.


Chapter 3                                                   Top


In the lounge-room John was waiting patiently as usual. He arose from the lounge and came over and kissed Gillian's forehead.

"See you later Gran, we won't be too late," Gillian said.

"Yes, bye Gran, see you later." Echoed John.

"You don't have to rush back early on my account, just take your time and have a nice night you two,” Said Gran.

Once in the car Gillian had just put her seatbelt on when John put his arm around her shoulders. He gently drew her face towards his and kissed her tenderly on the lips. Gillian could hardly move she felt a little light headed. Must have had too good a sleep she thought to herself.

"Sorry Gill, hope you don't mind me kissing you," John whispered softly, it's been so long since I have seen you. It is so tempting having you sitting here beside me, I had forgotten how great it is."

"It's okay," stammered Gillian a little breathless. This is all happening so fast I still need to adjust to things and think things over, so it might be better to go a little slower. For the moment anyway and I also have to work out whether I am staying or not. If it doesn't work out then I don't want to hurt you again. I do really care about you John.

"That's alright Gill, I just find you irresistible, I just want to hold you and kiss you. The last thing I want to do is frighten you away again. Your Grandmother loves having you back as well; she has come back to life again. There was always something missing in her smile and then I saw it again when she saw you coming up the pathway this morning.

Suddenly Gillian could see the lights of the town in the distance and she began to feel a little excited. Oh John, nothing much has changed after all. The little Craft Shop that her best friend Shirley owned was still there on the corner as well as the Bakery where her beloved Grandfather worked for many years. People came from near and far to buy from the great array of different sorts of bread and rolls and scrumptious cakes and famous home-made sausage rolls and pies. They now had tables and chairs out the front which was an added attraction. It made Gillian’s mouth water at the very thought of all that delicious food.

"John, it is so good to be back, nothing has really changed at all," Gillian said exuberantly.

"Some things have,” John answered a little bit too quickly for Gillian’s liking. Without saying anything more they parked the car almost adjacent to the Restaurant. They both sat there for a moment in complete silence.

Too annoyed to say anything Gillian opened her door and jumped out of the car. I can open my own door Gillian thought to herself. Gillian was going to say something but thought it better not to as she did not want to spoil the evening. Didn't John think that she was capable of doing anything for herself? Had she really changed all that much she wondered?

John was at her side and apologizing for the remark he had made. "Gill, you know I adore you and the last thing I want to do is send you away again, sorry," said John as he closed her door for her. He had not intended to say anything like that as Gillian seemed to be rather touchy. John thought that maybe he had been a little bit too pushy with his attention towards her and decided to take it easy for awhile.

Gillian needed time to sort her feelings out and he would leave it up to her to make the next move. He had missed her so much and was tempted a few times to go and see her to try and sort a few things with her, but he knew how stubborn she was. John knew down deep that Gillian did have feelings for him and that she would eventually make up her mind one way or the other.

Gillian smiled up at him instantly and told him he was forgiven. That was one of the things he loved about this girl, she would forgive and forget easily and would not bear a grudge for long. Which was a great quality seeing that John was thinking of asking Gillian to marry him before she had the chance to slip away from him again. He couldn't bear the thought of loosing her again and maybe never seeing again or marrying someone else. The thought of that was almost too unbearable to even think about.

As they walked silently together towards the Restaurant Gillian shivered. Whether from excitement or nervousness she didn't know, maybe a little of both she thought to herself.

"John I hope nobody is sitting at our table. If there is I'll politely ask them to move, I don't think they would mind if I did that, do you?" Gillian said playfully.

"Its already been arranged, hope it wasn't too presumptuous of me," replied John giving Gillian a sideways glance to see the expression on her face.

"Not a bit, I am really pleased you did. It wouldn't be the same sitting anywhere else would it?" Gillian answered.

Once inside Gillian began looking around to see if anything had changed. Before she could finish looking around a stocky middle aged man came racing towards them. The next minute she was in a vice-like-grip and was being kissed on both cheeks.

"Hello Anton, it is good to see you. I did not realize how nice it is to see so many familiar faces around. It is good to be home." Said Gillian.

"Gillian, Gillian my beautiful girl! Welcome home, how we have all missed you. Come I have your table waiting for you." Antonio said eagerly grabbing her arm and leading her and John to the reserved table. It looked quite crowded tonight and there were only a couple of spare table available.

"Here we are, you young ones, be seated please,” said Antonio as he held the chair while Gillian sat down, promptly placing a serviette in her lap. He did the same for John. "Would you both like some sort of drink before you order, it is on the house, so choose whatever you want,” urged Antonio.

"It was just as well you rang up for a reservation John because this seems to be one our busiest nights now. Another couple wanted this particular table but I told them it was taken already and they seemed quite disappointed. I haven’t tried sitting at it myself so I can't say what the attraction is, he teased. It must be because it is a little more secluded and quieter in this corner. It has a romantic air to it that is good then. There must be more love in this world, as there is so much bitterness and hatred out there. Rosemary and I have been married for thirty one years now and are still very much in love. Anyway enough talk from me now,” Antonio said with a smile. He handed them both a menu to look at.

"I hope to get married one day Antonio, and hope to be as happy as you two seem to be. You have been a great example of how love should be." Beamed John as he looked fondly at Gillian.

Antonio gave John a wink and a nod and headed to the bar to get the drinks for them.


Chapter 4                                               Top


Gillian felt herself blushing and picked up the menu to look at the drink section of the menu to see what was available. "Yes well, I will have a sweet sherry, and I am sure John will have his usual Shiraz if I remember correctly, thanks Anton," said Gillian glaring at John as if intimating for him to stop talking about marriage.

"Have a look at the menu Gill and choose whatever you wish," urged John as he started pondering over his menu. The list was endless and he found it hard to decide on just one dish. There were fantastic pasta dishes, which of course was Antonio's specialty, seafood in abundance, great steak dishes, and salads and of course a great variety of scrumptious desserts. John finally decided to give one of Antonio's famous dishes a try.

Gillian scanned over the list and was having the same trouble choosing. "It's all so nice I can't decide what to have. I am so hungry I could eat lots tonight. You were right about Gran wanting to fatten me up. She told me so be careful or I could end up with an eating disorder. Dear Old Gran. Look, I'll have the steak Dianne with chips and salad thanks John. Can we order some garlic bread as well please?" Drooled Gillian.

"Goodness gracious you must be hungry of course you can, anything you want." Laughed John.

The wines were bought over to them by a waiter. John and Gillian just sat there chatting and were quite oblivious to all the other people talking. Suddenly Gillian could hear one of her old favourite tunes being played by the local band in the background and it gave her goose-bumps. She would ask them later what the name of it was. It bought back memories for some reason.

"This feels so good; I haven't been out for so long. Couldn't really afford it I guess. I had been saving as much as I could to buy a car. What with the rent, electricity and food there wasn't that much left each week." Said Gillian.

"Look here Gill, you don't need one now as I can take you anywhere you want to go. Or you can just borrow mine and I can walk to work, it’s only a ten minute walk. Offered John.

"Oh boy, I would rather have my own car to run around in and not be dependant on anyone else John. I know you mean well but stop trying to smother me. Please don't ruin the evening with all this talk about marriage and using your car. We may as well be married the way you are treating me and we are not even going out as far as I am concerned. The couple of kisses you gave me were on impulse because we hadn't seen each other for a while I'm sure and nothing else." Gillian said heatedly. This was all getting too much for to handle.

Honey please, I am sorry. I am only trying to look after you." Said John in a hurt tone.

"John, I know that you are trying to look after me, but I don't want you to smother me. I can make my own decisions now and have survived in the big city for the last two years. If you will excuse me I need to go to the powder-room." Replied Gillian.

Gillian felt quite hot and flushed and ran the cold tap. Splashing the cold water on her face she started to cool down immediately. After patting her face dry Gillian re-applied some of her make-up. That's better she thought and told herself not to take things so personally in the future and headed back towards the table. Why was she so agitated, why did this man make her feel this way? John could be so annoying some times. Gillian liked John a lot, but could this be love she wondered.

“I needed to freshen up a bit. Is it getting a little warm in here or is it just me?" smiled Gillian.

"By the way, how is your father going?' Inquired Gillian.

"Gran was telling me all about his operation at lunch time. Sounds like it was the best thing he ever did having the By-pass. It sounds as though he's been making great progress. I have heard that he is even playing an occasional game of golf with the boys. I am looking forward to seeing him again, and your mum,” said Gillian.

"It is surprising how he much better he is. It certainly gave us a scare as you can imagine. Good old mum has held us all together; she has been the strongest one out of all of us. If you like we could take a drive out there on Sunday to see them. They were ecstatic with the news of you coming home for awhile. What is it like to be so popular? Teased John. He sat there for awhile with Gillian's hands in his.

"Funny, you think that your parents will be around forever. Only when something happens like this that you realize that life is not permanent and that no-one is indispensable. Life goes on when things happen whether you like it or not. You have to adjust to situations and do the best you can. I took a real hard look at myself and I know how precious life is.

That is why I will say this now Gill, and I hope that you will listen and then give me your decision whenever you are ready. I have been out with a couple of other girls but it was never the same. All I could think about was being with you, spending the rest of my life with you. You know that I love you with all my heart. I will give you space and time to do anything you want." Just marry me please." sighed John.

Gillian could feel the tears welling up in here eyes and she was speechless for once in her life. There was a huge lump in her throat and she could hardly even swallow.

"I don't know what to say John. I guess when I think about it I've been running away from the truth all this time,” Gillian said hoarsely. "I think deep down I was afraid a bit and wondered if you really did love me or you were just too used to me and were being bossy. I wasn't sure myself, so that's why I had to get away for awhile and think clearly for myself before I committed myself to one person for the rest of my life. I also wanted you to take other girls out, to make sure it was me you really wanted after all. We use to spend a lot of time together remember. Sometimes people get too used to each other and become immune to each other in the end.

"Gilly, we are meant for each other and you know it. You don't have to give me an answer tonight, but I would at least like to know if you love me,” said John looking at her in admiration.

Gillian burst out laughing and had a hard time pulling herself together before she could speak. Suddenly, impulsively she lent over the table and kissed John softly on the lips.

"John, I do love you and would love to be your wife,” sighed Gillian and flung her arms around John's neck and kissed him again.

"What annoys me a little is that everyone else knew that I was in love with you and that I have only just worked it out. I have wasted two years of our life trying to fight it. Gran has always known and your Dad and Mum for all that matter. When I get into my little moods you will just have to ignore them John." said Gillian giving John a big beautiful smile.

In an instant John was at Gillian’s side and wrapping his arms around her kissed her tenderly on the lips. For a fleeting moment time seemed to stand still, it felt magical, like they had at last become one.

John and Gillian were quite oblivious to the attention they were drawing from the amused patrons. The room had suddenly become very quiet there was not a sound to be heard. John reluctantly let Gillian go and looked around to find everyone staring at them. He straightened up and pulled Gillian up close to his side.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Gillian L-O-V-E-S me do hear and we intend to get married in the very near future,” said John elatedly.

Gilly you won't regret this, I intend to be the best husband ever,” whispered John to her.

Gillian put her arms around John and melted into his body. Yes, he was right; at last she realized that this is where she wanted to be.

The room echoed with applause at this announcement and when it ceased the happy couple sat down.

"I'm so glad you two are getting married. You do belong together we all knew that. Your Grandmother will be pleased Gillian, she knew as well. By the way the dinner is on the house tonight, that's if you are still hungry. You can pay me back by inviting me to your wedding,” beamed Antonio as he placed their meals on the table.



By
Sandy